IUDs / Mirenas
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small contraceptive device that is placed inside the uterus.
There are two kinds of IUD:
- The copper (non-hormonal) IUD is a small plastic device with copper wrapped around its stem, lasts 5-10 years.
- The progestogen IUD (Mirena or Kyleena) is a small T-shape device with a cylinder containing progestogen around its stem, lasts 5-8 years. It may also help with heavy or painful periods or be used as part of menopause management.
If you are looking for a reliable long acting form of birth control, then an IUD might be for you. You won’t have to remember to take a tablet each day, it won’t have long term effects on your fertility levels and it won’t interfere with your sex life. The progestogen IUD may also help with heavy or painful periods.
The procedure to insert the IUD takes approximately 30 minutes and is conducted by one of our experienced women’s health GPs. All our GPs who offer IUD insertions have undergone extensive training in all aspects of women’s health, so you can feel reassured you’re in safe hands. At Doctors of Northcote, we are able to provide patients with alternate pain relief, including methoxyflurane, to assist with the insertion process of the IUD if needed.
We have a special room set up for fitting an IUD and your GP will explain the procedure to make you feel reassured and comfortable.
To discuss whether or not an IUD is the right option for you, book a pre-insertion consult with one of our IUD GPs to discuss the process in more detail.
Doctor of Northcote’s IUD GPs: